Zepher

Special thanks to Etzel for our most recent interlude! Beautifully written, built and photographed! :wub:

"As I said, no harm done, Cronk. An honest man speaks with an honest mouth, and we need a clear thinker in times like there." "Well, you've gone and simplified it, but more or less, yes. I'll take you to The Master of the Night, and he'll tell you where to find Mephisto, and Mephisto can tell you an open entrance to the Temple, if you can convince him to." OoC: Poletad should have already been healed, my mistake. Haldor expends five ether to heal Zander, Gnash, Phil, Cronk and Arthur. <I have not said anything about the Gray Wizard because we have been very busy. Felton does not trust him, but Felton no longer trusts anyone. I cannot say that Felton is misguided, however, in this. The Gray Wizard is secretive, and his presence in the Spirit Pools are larger than anyone else I have ever met. He reads like a Prophet, but he is not one. Ella is the only person I have ever felt that is close to him, and the Chimera too. And Dragons, to an extent. I feel even now he is masking himself in the Spirit Pools. That is a feat. As for the Dragon, I have tried to speak to her, but there is so much noise, it is hard. Perhaps if we venture below the ground. I will gladly bless you, but bear in mind I only have so much magic in me. Even dragons grow weary. I may bless you twice more before I will need to rest. Dragons rest differently than your kind, and I will rest for a long time when this is over. Tell me if you would like to be blessed still.> Zane is the one to answer. "Chaos acquaints a man with strange bedfellows." He shrugs. "We all work with those we don't like if our goals are similar enough." <I am afraid not, Lady Nyx. That gate is open. Whatever comes will be better defended due to it. Zee failed, but Sphinx opened it just the same. I can sense him. He is not the same as he once was, but I can still feel him.> "Are we ready to go? Who will come to meet the King of the Past with me? Gray, you must." "I will come alone with the heroes. There is no need to bring anyone else into it. Perhaps Vipera should come as well." "For protection? Do you fear your brother, Gray Wizard?" "No more than he does me." <I will come. I must see what monsters are in the world.> "I am coming too." "No." "Yes. I am tired of your secrecy, Gray Wizard. I have fought Wren at every turn. I started in a small village, but I have expanded my mind and grown to know the world. I understand Chaos and Order as I never did before. I will see what you have to show me, and that is the end of it. I play with a full deck of cards. If there are more players, I must know them." "You are exactly the prey that he would love to feast on. He is the Master of Regret." "I regret much, but he will not master it. My regrets have made me the person I am now. They have made me stronger. A smart man learns from his mistakes." The Gray Wizard looks at Felton long and hard, and finally nods. "The rest of you will remain here. Be prepared to act." Zane points at Zander, no longer dying, but still weak. "He's coming with us too. Trust me, you don't want him here. Someone carry him." Felton lifts Zander and the heroes set out into the dark night, following Zane. [iNTERLUDE - EUBRIC] In the Temple of Ennoc, in the Paladin Order's complex in Northern Eubric, a meeting was taking place. The High Counsel of the Order under the leadership of High Priestess Alisameth had just gathered in a room deep inside the headquarters to discuss pressing matters. "Welcome, I'm pleased that we managed to be here everyone today, even you Lord Kapriel." "It's because of the serious situation you mentioned, High Priestess. Otherwise I would rather be back with the 1st battalion of Light and Justice, we are currently stationed at Newharbour, preparing an expedition to the western part of the High Kingdoms. There are reports of some vile creatures terrorizing the new settlements there and also rumors of raiding bands of greenskins." "I was hoping I could get some reinforcements to my battalion soon. The discontent brewing here in the city is troubling and I fear my unexperienced soldiers will not be of much help if things get violent." "Let's hope it will not come to that Sir Pellmar. In any case, your 4th battalion should be able to protect our own buildings from the mob, and we could shelter some of our civil followers in the Temple. Sir Jons, is it possible for the 2nd battalion to assist in these matters?" "Maybe, High Priestess. It depends on how fast we can muster the troops. They are spread out over all of Uland at the moment and the discipline has really declined since the murder of Sir Mandric. He was idolized by the soldiers and his death caused a state of anarchy in the battalion. I don't feel I have the support of more than a handful of the officers at the moment." "My lady, the 3rd battalion is ready to serve! Our sailors will fight just as good on land as on the sea. I can give the order right away and the ships will gather in a week, some much sooner." "Haha, you are an eager one, my young apprentice! But I don't think your ships will come to a better use in Eubric, it's more important to protect our trade routes and communication lines. We can't afford to get cut off in a situation like this. You just make sure those transports get where they should." "You're right, Lord Kapriel, let's not panic and give up all our hard work at the first sight of problem. But it's never wrong to be careful. Do you have anything to say about the situation, Lady Luthia?" "It is a serious problem, no doubt. I've been letting my clerics put up a stock of potions and tonics in case of a worst case scenario. My problem is that we are so few here in the city, we wouldn't be able to heal more then a fraction of the wounded if it came down to a fight. Maybe we could send for some novices from the convents on the countryside?" "No, most of those novices are still children and it would be very irresponsible to bring them here with all the distress and disorder. I think we will have to rely on what we have. With the help of the Righteous Light we will make it." The meeting continued with discussing of more standard issues of maintenance of the battalions, financial reports from the estates and disciplinary verdicts. in the evening after the meeting Alisameth walked through the corridors back to her room in the Paladin Order's complex. Her room were located in the northern part, close to the city wall, with a view over the fields that stretched all the way to the horizon. The High Priestess stopped and went out on the balcony just outside her door. The sky was dark and cloudy, no twinkling stars and the moon could not be seen. From the north she could see more clouds building up and a chilly wind with the faintest smell of smoke brushed her face and then disappeared. "Dark times are coming, the signs are unambiguous. The darkness will blind the people, they will not see the strings that controls them and they will not see the consequences of their actions. They will not be able to distinguish right from wrong and chaos will rule. Dark times are coming and we will have a need of guidance. A Light in the dark to show us the right path, a Light that reveals the power behind its shades. The power of chaos needs darkness to grow, in the Light it will wither and die since its illusions will be clear. Dark times are coming, and chaos is growing. Never have we needed a Light more then now. Ennoc, God of Justice, hear my plea and use your divinity to spread the Light over the world. Every soul with a Light in its heart is a beacon in the chaotic darkness where the blind and frightened people can gather. Give us the power of the Light to see through the chaos and see it for what it really is, and the power to resist it. The Light that reveals everything will shine forever." The High Priestess retired back to her room with a still troubled mind. No doubt the God of Light and Justice would do what it could, but finally the outcome of this would all come down to a few mortal beings and weather or not they could see through the chaos or not. [iNTERLUDE - CONCLUDED]

Because it doesn't matter if the scum know. They already know in theory we could do that. I'm just reminding them- they have NO WAY of knowing if they find the right group or a fake group. Bringing it up will make them distrust the real group if they find it. Again, saying that doesn't assist them, because having no way to clear any group, it doesn't matter if they know we may fake them out.

You did all really try, and I will look for a way to reward your thinking later, for certain. You guys made very few bad choices and a whole lot of pretty genius ones. And if you'd all gone to one place, I would not have upped the enemies ability or numbers. It would have been a cake walk battle. You guys always have that alternative, though it will of course make the final battle tougher. I removed the apprentices because I felt they would make it too difficult for the party size the battle was intended for (8ish heroes/NPCs). I will elaborate further when the quest is over why I did not and will not in the future nerf numbers of enemies if you, but there IS a reason. Keep fighting Nyx!! You're friends with all the enemy NPCs, you should be able to do pretty decently from here on in. Surely. Tell me which battle you'd like to sit-out to go shopping during. Dorne only recently entered the stage (just finished Storm of Swords today) but I can't think of anything else when I read that damn name. You've polluted my brain.

I've got to agree with Rick. Darkdragon had a fair amount of controversy surrounding her yesterday. It would have been a smarter scum kill than a SK kill. Scum kill people who are the center of attention because it makes the town turn on itself and discuss who was wrapped up in darkdragon conversations. Honestly, the scum probably weren't the ones either pro or con darkdragon. Or at least not the kill team... It's intriguing to remember that the scum can not confirm each other. A particularly clever group of townies might be able to take them down by claiming to be a team of scummies. That would be interesting to see. Be paranoid scum.

The cemetery party makes its way back towards the barracks. Meanwhile, Cronk chastises Victor. The Dastanian Emperor opens his mouth to bellow back but catches himself and bites his lip thoughtfully, staring harshly but thoughtfully into Cronk's eyes. He finally bobs his head. "You are right of course, my old comrade. My people sometimes- often even- mistake foolishness for bravery. These people, Wren's people, have hurt many around Olegia, and they have spilled blood on my land, and led to the death of a number of my friends. U'Stus and Constance... perhaps you do not know them. But their deaths clogged my thoughts. No longer. Thank you for your advice." Phil still grates his teeth, but he helps Cronk lift Zander and offers to carry him back himself. At the Barracks, Zane grins widely at Arthur. "I am Zane! I am the Orc who could doom you all or save you all, depending on how it plays out. You make the mistake that many make when fighting foes. You assume we're unified. Look for the cracks. I was once a philosopher- hard to believe, I know, but I had a simple philosophy that brought me far. If you know what others want, and make them believe to achieve that, you must get what you want, then the world is your oyster. It is even better if its true, for them to get what they want they must play your game. I am a Jester because I laugh at the world and it's foolishness." "As for the Magician, Skrall- she, like all of us, has a different goal. Zander wants to kill, Zee wants Zoot to rise- did before and even moreso now- Mephisto once wanted power but that Mephisto is gone now, consumed... and the Magician--" The other parties walk in, carrying the near dead Zander. Zane's eyes widen a little when he sees the dying Prince. "You kept him alive? That's unexpected." "Who is this?" "Zane?! Howdy there." Blood splutters out of Zander's mouth. "The fool lived. Shocking. Mephisto and Zee sent us to die, don't you think?" "Inadvertently, perhaps. Now, Gray Wizard, heroes, would you like to meet the Master of Regret? I can lead you there." Zane seems a little rushed now. Night has fallen outside. The Party Skrall 80 year old Male Ogre Hunter Level 23 *Secondary Party Leader* *Favors Humanoid and Demon Enemies* *Immunity to Fragile* *Natural Respite* Power: 36 Defense: 8 Health: 37/37 Gold: 16 Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:11, +4 vs. Beasts), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile effect, body wear) Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Plaything, 2x Mead, Grand Potion, Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), Potion, Minimizing Dust Haldor Skovgaard Level 23 1/3 Shaman. *Immune to Weakened, Fragile and Blinded* *Natural Respite* Power: 39 Defense: 7 Health: 40/40 Ether: 29/29 Gold: 45 Equipment: Zoot er Isen (WP:14, Ice and Light Elemental) Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether, Blinded Immunity), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity), Heavy Armour (SP:+5, Fragile Immunity). Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Water Elemental), Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Scroll of Sealing, Health Core, Potion (x3), Grand Potion, Remedy (x2), Mead , Nostrum (x2), Smelling Salts (x2), Soma (x2), Venom, Mulled Wine, Phoenix Essence Hoke Ablesword Level 20 Mystic Knight Power: 34 Defense: 9 Health: 38/38 Ether: 3/20 Gold: 19 Equipment: Vintul (Great sword: WP 14), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear) Inventory: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), 2x Tonic, Grating Stone Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 20 Sorcerer, *Immune to Sealed* Power: 32 Health: 7/30 Ether: 20/30 Defense: 3 Gold: 276 Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Jester's Hat (Gains one immunity from targeted enemy) Inventory: Equipment: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth) Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Consumables: Ether Core, Remedy (x3), Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle), Nostrum (x4) Nyx Level 23 2/3 Battle Mage *Secondary Party Leader* *Immune to Asleep, Fast Asleep and Sealed effects* *Natural Respite* Power: 36 Defense: 3 Health: 32/32 Ether: 30/33 Gold: 48 Equipment: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects), High Heels (+1 Power) Inventory: Dawnstar II (WP: 9), The Fishstick (WP:7 Double damage while on ships), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Bomb XX, Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Remedy, Shiny Helmet (+1 max health) Atramor Gibbin Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned* Power: 33 Health: 44/44 Ether: 3/21 Gold: 41 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Inventory: Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory), Grating Stone Thothwick Level 20 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 32 (28 Ranged) Defence: 10 Health: 35/35 Gold: 215 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP: 12, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only)Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8) 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 1 Bone, Sabre (WP 10) Dyric Rone Level 17 1/2 Assassin *Immune to Water Elemental* Power: 26 Health: 28/28 Gold: 1799 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Longsword (WP: 3), , Aquamarine (Water), 3 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Winged Sandals, Phoenix Essence Sir Earl Poletad Level 17 Frog Paladin Power: 17 Health: 0/17 Ether: 17/17 Cronk Level 27 2/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* Power: 39 Defense: 16 Health: 34/45 Ether: 5/28 Gold: 16 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 4 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Phoenix Essence, 2 Remedies, Scroll of Frailty, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs Alexis Fenral Level 26 1/3 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile* Power: 39 Defense: 3 Health: 42/42 Ether: 15/30 Gold: 83 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:13, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Opal (Ice), 2 Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Ether Core, Fifty Shades of Bley, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened), Health Core, 2 Lightning Bomb Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy(Ruby), Sadie (Diamond) Phil (Victor) Level 20 2/3 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite* Power: 35 Health: 0/38 Defense: 2 Gold: 50 Equipment: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2) Inventory: Meads (x2), Dragon Scale Felton Level 16 1/2 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic* Power: 26 Health: 28/28 Gold: 56 Equipment: Rapier (WP: 10) Inventory: Gnash Level 14 1/2 City Watch Guard Power: 22 Health: 18/28 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) McColt (NPC - Takes Orders from PL) Every turn has a 50/50 chance of giving target any of the following effects: Encouraged, Hastened. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of Inspiring target.

You can buy counterstrike gloves at the market! I feel like this is the point where the quest is picking up. Gotta love some fun ol' NPCs to kick it off right.

No, the Magician fled, didn't get to loot her. And yes, I know you didn't level up, because the battle wasn't technically won at that point. You will when you all gather back together.

OoC: Fixed, CM! I read the conditional as a real action, and just assumed he was hastened. Hovels Battle Round Ten >Alexis v. Master B - Critical Hit Critical Hit (([13*2]+26)*2*2*2=416 KO) >Alexis v. Apprentice B - Hit Shield Felton v. Magician - Special Damage Felton v. Magician - Hit (([10*2]+16)*2*2=144 KO) McColt encourages Gnash - Success (1) Gnash v. Apprentice B - Critical Hit (([6*2]+14)*2=52 KO) Cronk v. Apprentice C - Shield Cronk v. Apprentice C - Hit (39*2*2=156 KO) Burned: Apprentice D (-3) The heroes cut down the last few of their opponents. One of the Apprentices stands strong. As the Magician begins to fall, he rushes to her. The Hovels Party Cronk Level 27 1/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Encouraged* Power: 39 Defense: 16 Health: 34/45 Ether: 5/28 Gold: 8 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 4 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Scroll of Frailty, Bennetton's Seal, Remedy Alexis Fenral Level 26 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile, and Blinded* *Encouraged* Power: 39 Defense: 3 Health: 42/42 Ether: 15/30 Gold: 75 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:13, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Ether Core, Fifty Shades of Bley, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened) Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy(Ruby), Sadie (Diamond) Phil (Victor) Level 20 2/3 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite* *KO* Power: 35 Health: 0/38 Defense: 2 Gold: 50 Equipment: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2) Inventory: Meads (x2), Dragon Scale Felton Level 16 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 26 Health: 28/28 Gold: 56 Equipment: Rapier (WP: 10) Inventory: Gnash Level 14 City Watch Guard Power: 22 Health: 18/28 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) McColt (NPC - Takes Orders from PL) Every turn has a 50/50 chance of giving target any of the following effects: Encouraged, Hastened. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of Inspiring target. The Hovels Enemies Apprentice to the Court of Demons D Level 22 Dark Humanoid *Burned* *Asleep (1 Rounds)* Health: 118/156 Ether: 2/3 Special: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Passive Special: Lust - This Apprentice wants to prove himself. When doing damage to heroes that are of higher level then him, he will defy SP. Drops: 4 Gold OoC: I'm calling this battle for you guys. The Magician leans on the Apprentice. "Are you okay, Ma'm?" "Very well. Cronk, Alexis, Gnash, McColt, Felton, dear Felton, downed and fiery Victor. You all fought valiantly. I'll see you when I see you. Cronk, remind Zane that he still owes me one more favor. He's paid Zee and Mephisto, but his chief debt is to me. Tell him too I knew he'd betray us." "Ma'm, should we pick up Zander?" "The Prince of Power is dying, shortly dead. Leave him to the heroes to do with as they see fit. It's always intriguing to see what they do. Wren knows that well as anyone. Now, I need your force." The apprentice gasps for just a second before falling dead. The Magician straightens up, no longer bleeding. She stares at the heroes with a mix of admiration, mourning and fear, and then there is a puff of smoke and she is gone. The Hovels are littered with corpses, and Zander still breaths, though just barely. Loot x4 Lightning Bombs x2 Topaz x2 Health Cores 16 Gold "My information is the location of his brother. You'll need me to lead you there. I told you why you need me, and why you need me alive. You need to get to the temple. The people in the city right now who know the location of an open entrance are Mephisto and Zee. To get to them, you need to know where Mephisto is hiding, and to know that, you need to talk to the person- sorry, being, who smashed a few souls together and made Mephisto. And to get to that person, you need me. We're just waiting for your friends to show up." "You know, Zane, you'll still hang. And how is it that you don't know the location of the Court you are a Jester to?" "Mephisto has never trusted me. Besides, I'm just a court fool. The Court is all over, but the meeting ground- how much do you know of us?" Zane suddenly eyes them all wickedly. "You don't know anything about us, do you? You don't know where we've come from, who we were before. You never even asked. This shall be fun." Zane redirects his gaze onto Bennetton. "As for hanging, I guess we'll just have to see. The Magician has said some things about you and hanging, but maybe not the way you'd expect. You'd be afraid of what she said, but you don't even know where she came from." Johnny finally clears his throat, after remaining silent for so long. "I know ya. Or maybe once I did." "Ah, Johnny Everyman. Perhaps once you did."

You can criticize all you like! I'll tell you why you're wrong when the quest is over. Just imagine if a different team had gone. Cronk with his angel, for example, or Hoke who could have plowed through those Undead and gotten to Zee easy-peasy, or Alexis and a hastened Summon, or if you had (again) done what was suggested by the NPCs and not split your forces too much. You would have taken practically no damage with those free hits. And no, I did not intend 16. I did take out 2 Apprentices though, because I'm not sadistic.

Hinck, don't you say playing stupid is a scum tell? Big Cam "didn't know there were two teams of scum"? Anywho, as I said yesterday, I really don't think Flare was scum, but only morning will tell. His PMs seemed particularly unscummy (I also received one). As for the case against Hinck... also wasn't particularly compelling to me. I think most everyone is grasping at straws right now.

That's okay, Scorpiox! We are sort of stalling for the other parties (imparting important information while doing it, but stalling all the same). Roleplay with who is around, or be silent, I never doubt you are all following along and will speak when you need to! Speaking of role playing - Atramor sacrificed himself. It didn't work, exactly, but he still tried it, and it was still awesome and a great moment. I hope everyone is happy to see some old faces again. It's nice writing for people who are already established, it makes the whole story more stream-lined when you don't need to explain who people are.

Hovels Battle Round Nine Felton v. Magician - Pessimism (No Effect) Felton v. Magician - Hit (([10*2]+16)*2*2=144) >Alexis v. Magician - Aim Critical Hit (([13*2]+26)*2*2=208) (-1 ether) >Alexis v. Magician - Aim Critical Hit (([13*2]+26)*2*2=208) (-1 ether) >Alexis uses Scroll of Frailty on Master B - Success (3,4) (-1 ether) McColt encourages Gnash - Failure (5) >Gnash v. Apprentice B - Damage ([22/2]-1=10) Cronk v. Magician - Special Damage (No Special Guard (6)) (-10 health/ether) Cronk v. Magician - Shield Free Hits None (Right?) Burned: -3 Apprentice C, D The heroes continue to decimate what remains of their enemies. Cronk's angel swoops back in, essentially sealing the deal. The Hovels Party Cronk Level 27 1/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Encouraged* Power: 39 Defense: 16 Health: 34/45 Ether: 5/28 Gold: 8 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 4 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Scroll of Frailty, Bennetton's Seal, Remedy Alexis Fenral Level 26 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile, and Blinded* *Encouraged* Power: 39 Defense: 3 Health: 42/42 Ether: 15/30 Gold: 75 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:13, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Ether Core, Fifty Shades of Bley, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened) Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy(Ruby), Sadie (Diamond) Phil (Victor) Level 20 2/3 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite* *KO* Power: 35 Health: 0/38 Defense: 2 Gold: 50 Equipment: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2) Inventory: Meads (x2), Dragon Scale Felton Level 16 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 26 Health: 28/28 Gold: 56 Equipment: Rapier (WP: 10) Inventory: Gnash Level 14 City Watch Guard Power: 22 Health: 18/28 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) McColt (NPC - Takes Orders from PL) Every turn has a 50/50 chance of giving target any of the following effects: Encouraged, Hastened. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of Inspiring target. The Hovels Enemies Magician of the Court of Demons Level 10 Humanoid *Immune to Negative Effects and Instant Kill* *Jinxed (1 Round)* Health: 123/800 Special: Ravenous Hunger – Drains 10 ether and 10 health from the hero, disregarding row/SP. Passive Special: All AoE attacks/effects only effect the person the hero is targeting. Drops: Ether Core, Health Core, 200 Gold Master of the Court of Demons B Level 32 Dark Humanoid *Immune to Blind, Stunned, Sealed, Bound and Instant Kills* *Fragile (3 Turns)* Health: 373/464 Ether: 7/7 Special I: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Special II: Insane Fervor - Cuts himself multiple times to show Akkaba he’d do anything for his blessing. Enemy is encouraged for the next round at the cost of 10 health and 1 ether.
 Special III: Creepy Croak - The Master gives a mighty croak, and doubles his health, at the loss of 20 health from each party member. Costs 1 ether. Note: Specials alternate. If ether is depleted, special damage will count as normal damage. Drops: Health Core Apprentice to the Court of Demons B Level 22 Dark Humanoid Health: 48/156 Ether: 3/3 Special: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Passive Special: Lust - This Apprentice wants to prove himself. When doing damage to heroes that are of higher level then him, he will defy SP. Drops: 4 Gold Apprentice to the Court of Demons C Level 22 Dark Humanoid *Burned* *Asleep (1 Round)* Health: 122/156 Ether: 3/3 Special: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Passive Special: Lust - This Apprentice wants to prove himself. When doing damage to heroes that are of higher level then him, he will defy SP. Drops: 4 Gold Apprentice to the Court of Demons D Level 22 Dark Humanoid *Burned* *Asleep (2 Rounds)* Health: 118/156 Ether: 2/3 Special: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Passive Special: Lust - This Apprentice wants to prove himself. When doing damage to heroes that are of higher level then him, he will defy SP. Drops: 4 Gold Sorry, I really thought you guys had it for a while. I promise, I'll figure out a way to make it up to you with cool loots soon, or something. Cemetery Battle Round Eight >Thothwick uses Phoenix Essence on Nyx >Atramor heals himself - Hexes Ancient Dead E >Atramor v. Zee - Special Damage (10 Damage Whole Party) >Nyx uses Holy Bomb - (10 Damage all Undead [Ancient F KO, Recent C KO] Zee's 5 damage redirected to Ancient E) >Thothwick v. Thothwick - Hit (32 health) Free Hits Ancient A + Ancient D + Ancient F + Recent B + Recent D v. Thothwick - ((([16*3]+[24*2])/2)-10=38 KO) Ancient B v. Atramor - KO Ancient C + Ancient E + Recent A + Recent C v. Nyx (([(16*2)+(24*2)]/2)-3=37 KO) The Cemetery Party Nyx Level 23 2/3 Battle Mage *Party Leader* *Immune to Asleep, Fast Asleep and Sealed effects* *Natural Respite* Power: 36 Defense: 3 Health: 0/32 Ether: 30/33 Gold: 48 Equipment: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects), High Heels (+1 Power) Inventory: Dawnstar II (WP: 9), The Fishstick (WP:7 Double damage while on ships), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Bomb XX, Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Remedy, Shiny Helmet (+1 max health) Atramor Gibbin Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned* Power: 33 Health: 0/88 Ether: 8/21 Gold: 41 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Inventory: Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory), Grating Stone Thothwick Level 20 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 32 (28 Ranged) Defence: 10 Health: 0/35 Gold: 215 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP: 12, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only)Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8) 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 1 Bone, Sabre (WP 10) Dyric Rone Level 17 1/2 Assassin *Immune to Water Elemental* *KO'd* Power: 26 Health: 0/28 Gold: 1799 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Longsword (WP: 3), , Aquamarine (Water), 3 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Winged Sandals, Phoenix Essence Sir Earl Poletad Level 17 Frog Paladin *KO'd* Power: 17 Health: 0/17 Ether: 17/17 Nyx glances around her as she throws her holy bomb and sees Atramor fall to a mass of bone. Thothwick beats back a few of them hopefully, but he soon meets the same fate. Nyx stumbles back and trips over the frozen Poletad, his eyes still barely darting below the ice, but of course he is freezing slowly... Zee steps forth. "I have no reason to show you mercy. You will perish with the rest. We will all die when Zoot comes, and Olegia will burn in ice and fire and electricity, as has been foretold. We are all just tools." Zee raises her staff, ready to slam it into Nyx's stomach, but a voice rings out. "Stop!" Nyx and Zee both glance over, and walking slowly and calmly over the field are two faces- ones Nyx recognizes, though Zee cannot and does not. "We've been sent for a parlay." "A parlay? Who are you who speaks to me thus?! Who orders me to stop?" Zee shrieks. "I am Sphinx. Once I served a greater God than this Zoot, but that God chose to no longer walk Olegia. It was the will of the Chimera that he should not grace us with his presence. Everything happens as it should, though that made me very sad." Sphinx picks up Poletad and breaths on him. The ice melts away and the little frog gives a shudder. "I'm XX." XX leans down to Nyx and whispers. "Again, my fiery lady? We've gotta stop this habit. Cover your eyes, close your eyes, and hope for the best, same as last time." XX stands up and wheels on Zee. "Also, by parlay, we meant more a hostage exchange." "You have no hostage." Sphinx places Poletad gently next to Nyx and smiles sadly at her as well. "Where is your Barbarian friend? You must take better care of yourself if you're going to kill Wren." "Well, yeah, this is the part where we collect the hostage." XX claps his hands and suddenly the ground is afire and so is the sky. Nyx's ears can't hear a thing except ringing and then her vision blurs and she is lost. ... Some time later, no way to tell how long, the party begins to groggily awaken. Poletad croaks mournfully. The ground is pock-marked and dirt still hangs in the air like a veil. They glance around and see no one.

Boomingham dusts himself off. "Should have killed you when I had the chance. Guess this match is a little more fair. I'm sure you'll still die. Fair is fair. I am champion of the weak. On my long list of accomplishments, you'll just be a footnote." Boomingham nods at his two friends. "Let's let them have it. Ellaria, my beautiful young friend, be careful. We will have great need of you and your healing powers. That being said, if you'd raise that lovely cross bow of your's and give the little dwarf and our friend Johnny a bolt to the head, that'd be lovely. Harkenshire, you've got to set your sights on the beaked menace. Which leaves me to dance with the fur ball and the gold toothed chap." Boomingham turns to them. "You two, know you die an honorless death against an honorable foe. If you feel like running at any point, feel free, but know I'll find you and end you. Because that's the way Olegia spins. The great crush the cowardly and defend the small. It's what we're meant to do. My name is Boomingham, and I'm the champion of greatness." Boomingham swings scupperer at the Pongcanis from the back row. Battle Order Boomingham Ellaria Harkenshire Ellaria

<You will know. Perhaps not immediately, but there you will know one day if it is there. It is impossible for someone who has not experienced it to understand. It is being out of your body and inside your body at once.> "Zee and Mephisto aren't dead. They just aren't the same as they used to be. Their souls got eaten up. I told Mephisto, I warned him, you eat a soul eater, they'll probably eat you back. But why listen to me? I'm but a fool." "As for my number of spirits-" "Souls. My brother deals in souls, among other things." "The number of souls- I have no idea. I got bits and pieces of more than enough. They nearly drove me insane, but I told them if they didn't shut their mouths I'd jump into the sea and drown us all, and then they got quiet and stopped trying to burn my insides." Zane smiles. "You just need to know what people want and don't want, and they're very easy to control. "I don't give a rat's megablocks about Chaos or Zoot. I owed someone a favor, that's the only reason I was at that damn gate. And to do some shopping. I guess I do want to meet Wren, but I'm more interested in a different group of beings. Bringing Zoot to Olegia seems a folly, and unlikely to be honest... can't blame Zee and Mephisto for trying- well, at least the beings inside them for trying- but I've got other fish to fry. The Magician has piqued my interest. She's very interested to meet you, by the way." Zane winks at the Gray Wizard. ----------------- "He spoke for Zed. In part. He spoke for Zed's memory, and Zed's fear. I will teach you more about those things if you come visit me in my home. You will come visit me in my home. You will have to." Cemetery Battle Round Six >Poletad heals Recent Dead C - Failure (6) >Thothwick v. Ancient Dead E - Hide!! >Atramor heals Thothwick - Heal (-1 ether) (Hidden) >Thothwick v. Ancient Dead F - Hit (32) >Atramor heals Atramor - Failure (5) Free Hits Zee v. Poletad - (40/2=20) Ancient A + Ancient C Recent A + Recent D v. Thothwick - Hidden! Ancient B + Ancient D + Recent B v. Atramor - ([16+16+24]/2=28) Undying Love: Zee (-1 ether) Zee walks up and calmly freezes the little frog paladin. The Cemetery Party Nyx Level 23 2/3 Battle Mage *Party Leader* *Immune to Asleep, Fast Asleep and Sealed effects* *Natural Respite* *KO'd* Power: 36 Defense: 3 Health: 0/32 Ether: 30/33 Gold: 48 Equipment: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects), High Heels (+1 Power) Inventory: Dawnstar II (WP: 9), The Fishstick (WP:7 Double damage while on ships), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Holy Bomb, 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Bomb XX, Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Remedy, Shiny Helmet (+1 max health) Atramor Gibbin Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned* *Inspired* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 33 Health: 11/88 Ether: 8/21 Gold: 41 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Inventory: Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory), Grating Stone Thothwick Level 20 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* *Hastened* Power: 32 (28 Ranged) Defence: 10 Health: 21/35 Gold: 215 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP: 12, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only)Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8) 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, Phoenix Essence, 2 Grand Potions, 1 Bone, Sabre (WP 10) Dyric Rone Level 17 1/2 Assassin *Immune to Water Elemental* *KO'd* Power: 26 Health: 0/28 Gold: 1799 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Longsword (WP: 3), , Aquamarine (Water), 3 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Winged Sandals, Phoenix Essence Sir Earl Poletad Level 17 Frog Paladin *KO'd* Power: 17 Health: 0/17 Ether: 17/17 The Cemetery Enemies Zee, Queen of the Undead Level 40 Ice *Immune Instant Kills* Health: 520/520 Ether: 9/16 Special I: Helvetia’s Kiss – Zee deals 10 ice-elemental damage to the entire party, disregarding row and SP. This costs 1 ether. Special II: (Used if ether is depleted) All of Hel’s Wrath – Deals 30 ice-elemental damage to entire party. Passive Special I: Miracle of the Court – Negative effects inflicted on Zee last only one round. Passive Special II: Undying Love – At the end of each round, at the cost of one ether, Zee revives all fallen comrades at 0 health. They become SOULLESS. They cannot again be killed until Zee dies or runs out of ether. Passive Special III: Human Shield – All attacks directed at Zee are redirected to a random ally as long as said ally is not SOULLESS. Drops: Phoenix Incense, Zee’s Standard, Opal Ancient Dead A Level 16 Soulless Health: 0/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead B Level 16 Soulless Health: 0/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead C Level 16 Soulless Health: 0/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead D Level 16 Soulless Health: 0/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead E Level 16 Undead Health: 26/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead F Level 16 Undead Health: 10/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Recent Dead A Level 24 Soulless Health: 0/215 Special I: Unholy Wail - The Recent Dead, unhappy with it's death, wails and stuns the target. Drops: 2 gold Recent Dead B Level 24 Soulless Health: 0/215 Special I: Unholy Wail - The Recent Dead, unhappy with it's death, wails and stuns the target. Drops: 2 gold Recent Dead C Level 24 Undead Health: 1/215 Special I: Unholy Wail - The Recent Dead, unhappy with it's death, wails and stuns the target. Drops: 2 gold Recent Dead D Level 24 Soulless Health: 0/215 Special I: Unholy Wail - The Recent Dead, unhappy with it's death, wails and stuns the target. Drops: 2 gold

"When it comes down to it, Johnny, I don't think anyone else had a reason to whack off the young fellow. And I don't like your business. So I'm giving you one more chance. You tell me what's happening here, what you do, and who you think killed your assistant, and we know he was your assistant, or I cut off your head. Sing, and sing well."

"Compensation that doesn't turn to red sand, hopefully? The Harbor Master wanted us to send his regards as well. Or do you deny that as well. You seem to like denying truths. I didn't get your name, by the by. I like to know the name of all the murderers I put down."

In that case Master A had a heart attack from the stress. My present to you. "Zander was speaking on a behalf of someone else, Cronk. Now, bring your weapon up and finish this battle. I have other places to be. Let us see what happens here. Surely either way there will be progress, for Wren or for you or for us." ------ <The Orc is their master, though just barely.> "Just barely, Dragon? I'd like to think I am their master more than most. I'm the success story. Zee and Zander and Mephisto didn't fare so well. I think they're dead now. That what happens- the weak are weeded out. Isn't that what this city does to people? Or maybe its just random. Maybe I just got lucky. That's the way of it, isn't it, Arthur? Chaos is everything?" The Orc grins. "Not truly. I am the master of my own destiny. Zander was too stupid to master his demons, and Zee and Mephisto strived for too much." Vipera shakes her head fearfully again and turns to Arthur. <The Spirit Pools are a little like ether. They cannot be learned, you can sense them or you cannot. They are different from ether- they are much harder to master, more of a force pervading everything, less something you can direct, as you mages can direct ether. They have more to do, also, with life and death. But unless you are born a prophet or dragon or another ancient race, you cannot not learn them.> Again, Zane makes a snide comment. "Unless you cheat the system." The Gray Wizard stares at Zane and tsks, pacing near a window. Bennetton remains silent, but his eyes follow the Gray Wizard.

Oh, I forgot that all strategies that don't originate from Hinckley are wrong.

Everyone voting for one person will give us zero voting record to go off of. I was presenting another option for a lynch- one that I thought personally hadn't given us much of anything. I don't understand the case against Flare and would rather get rid of someone who has said lots but done little.

"Harkenshire, drop those bombs on the people below if they do anything funny. Protect Ellaria. Though she can protect herself well enough." Boomingham hisses quietly to the warden before sauntering over to the man. "Here you are, sir. Looks like its leaking. It appears to me, also, that you are indeed the men who knocked off the little chap. The cloak belonged to his employer, and his employer killed him, and here you are claiming the cloak. That's logic, sir." Boomingham draws his sword and drops the cloak. "Now, unless you have some other very convincing explanation, you'll be answering for your crimes. I would like to hear what you have to say, I just wouldn't like any funny business.

"I think these chaps knocked off Spud's brother, which means they've got some knocking coming their way as well, don't they?" Lawrence glances at Barty, who has dimmed his natural glow so as not to draw attention. Barty nods. "Ennoc, your new god, even me-- no one is going to stop some 'knocking'." "Fantastic. Ellaria, pop on that new hat of your's, I'd rather keep you alive and it looks like it would offer some protection." Boomingham downs a mead and places his hand on his new bomb, ready to lob it at the first sign of any aggressive movement. "We have the tactical high ground. If they make any funny moves, we drop bombs on them. That ought to slow them down." Boomingham steps out of the shadows and announces his presence in the booming voice that he alone possesses. "Hello, chaps! I'm looking for the owner of this cloak!" Boomingham holds the cloak above his head. "It's got some gold sewn into the hemming. Now, before anyone steps forward to claim it, bear in mind, we're relatively sure the owner killed a little fellow. What goes around comes around. Who wants to claim this beautiful cloak?"

OoC: Counterstrike damage has been added! 39 to Zander and the Magician! Felton considered his encouragement, Alexis did not. Hovels Battle Round Eight Cronk v. Apprentice A - Hit (39*2*2=156 KO) Cronk heals Felton - Heal (+39 health) (-1 ether) Felton v. Magician - Hit ([[10*2]+16]*2*2=144) Felton v. Magician - Special Damage (No Effect) McColt encourages Gnash - Failure (5) Gnash v. Magician - Special Damage (No Effect) >Alexis uses scroll of frailty on Zander - Success (1,5) (-1 ether) >Alexis v. Zander - Critical Hit Hit (([13*2]+26)*2*2=208) >Alexis v. Zander - Critical Hit Hit (([13*2]+26)*2*2=208) Free Hits Master A & B (39 Counterstrike Damage, A KO'd) Burned: -3 Apprentice C, D The heroes cheer as the first two of their enemies go down. Alexis fires a bolt into Zander's shoulder that spins him around and drops him. He glances up, smile still on his face, but then his smile wavers shortly and his eyes lock on Cronk. "Cronk?! Cronk... you did this to me... how... where am I? I feel so warm- too warm--" Zander collapses onto the pavement and is still. The Hovels Party Cronk Level 27 1/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Encouraged* Power: 39 Defense: 16 Health: 44/45 Ether: 15/28 Gold: 8 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 4 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Scroll of Frailty, Bennetton's Seal, Remedy Alexis Fenral Level 26 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile, and Blinded* *Encouraged* Power: 39 Defense: 3 Health: 42/42 Ether: 18/30 Gold: 75 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:13, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Ether Core, Fifty Shades of Bley, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened) Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy(Ruby), Sadie (Diamond) Phil (Victor) Level 20 2/3 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite* *KO* Power: 35 Health: 0/38 Defense: 2 Gold: 50 Equipment: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2) Inventory: Meads (x2), Dragon Scale Felton Level 16 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 26 Health: 28/28 Gold: 56 Equipment: Rapier (WP: 10) Inventory: Gnash Level 14 City Watch Guard Power: 22 Health: 28/28 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) McColt (NPC - Takes Orders from PL) Every turn has a 50/50 chance of giving target any of the following effects: Encouraged, Hastened. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of Inspiring target. The Hovels Enemies Magician of the Court of Demons Level 10 Humanoid *Immune to Negative Effects and Instant Kill* *Jinxed (1 Round)* Health: 683/800 Special: Ravenous Hunger – Drains 10 ether and 10 health from the hero, disregarding row/SP. Passive Special: All AoE attacks/effects only effect the person the hero is targeting. Drops: Ether Core, Health Core, 200 Gold Master of the Court of Demons B Level 32 Dark Humanoid *Immune to Blind, Stunned, Sealed, Bound and Instant Kills* *Asleep (1 Turns)* Health: 373/464 Ether: 7/7 Special I: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Special II: Insane Fervor - Cuts himself multiple times to show Akkaba he’d do anything for his blessing. Enemy is encouraged for the next round at the cost of 10 health and 1 ether.
 Special III: Creepy Croak - The Master gives a mighty croak, and doubles his health, at the loss of 20 health from each party member. Costs 1 ether. Note: Specials alternate. If ether is depleted, special damage will count as normal damage. Drops: Health Core Apprentice to the Court of Demons B Level 22 Dark Humanoid Health: 48/156 Ether: 3/3 Special: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Passive Special: Lust - This Apprentice wants to prove himself. When doing damage to heroes that are of higher level then him, he will defy SP. Drops: 4 Gold Apprentice to the Court of Demons C Level 22 Dark Humanoid *Burned* *Asleep (2 Rounds)* Health: 125/156 Ether: 3/3 Special: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Passive Special: Lust - This Apprentice wants to prove himself. When doing damage to heroes that are of higher level then him, he will defy SP. Drops: 4 Gold Apprentice to the Court of Demons D Level 22 Dark Humanoid *Burned* *Asleep (2 Rounds)* Health: 121/156 Ether: 2/3 Special: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether. Passive Special: Lust - This Apprentice wants to prove himself. When doing damage to heroes that are of higher level then him, he will defy SP. Drops: 4 Gold Cemetery Battle Round Six >Poletad heals Dyric - Ribbit (17*(1/4)=4 ether everyone) >Dyric v. Ancient Dead E - Shield (ADE: NA (6), ADF: NA (3), RDC: NA (5))([16*2+24*4+40]*1.5=252 gold) >Atramor heals himself - Shield (Hexes Ancient Dead A) >Dyric v. Ancient Dead F - Lethal Aim ([9/2]/10= 0 damage all) (ADE: NA (6), ADF: NA (3), RDC: NA (2)) >Atramor heals himself - Heal (33) (-1 ether) >Thothwick attacks Zee - Hit (Redirected to ADF: 32) >Thothwick attacks Recent Dead C - Hit (32) Free Hits Ancient A v. Poletad - (16/2=8) Ancient B + Ancient D v. Dyric - (16+16/2=16 KO) Ancient C + Recent A v. Atramor - ([16+24]/2=20) Recent B + Recent D v. Thothwick - ([24+24]/2-10=14) Undying Love: Zee (-1 ether) The heroes groan as Atramor is overwhelmed. Poletad croaks encouragement, but there is clear fear in his eyes. The Cemetery Party Nyx Level 23 2/3 Battle Mage *Party Leader* *Immune to Asleep, Fast Asleep and Sealed effects* *Natural Respite* *KO'd* Power: 36 Defense: 3 Health: 0/32 Ether: 30/33 Gold: 48 Equipment: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects), High Heels (+1 Power) Inventory: Dawnstar II (WP: 9), The Fishstick (WP:7 Double damage while on ships), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Holy Bomb, 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Bomb XX, Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Remedy, Shiny Helmet (+1 max health) Atramor Gibbin Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned* *Inspired* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 33 Health: 39/88 Ether: 9/21 Gold: 41 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Inventory: Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory), Grating Stone Thothwick Level 20 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* *Hastened* Power: 32 (28 Ranged) Defence: 10 Health: 21/35 Gold: 215 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP: 12, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only)Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8) 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, Phoenix Essence, 2 Grand Potions, 1 Bone, Sabre (WP 10) Dyric Rone Level 17 1/2 Assassin *Immune to Water Elemental* *KO'd* Power: 26 Health: 0/28 Gold: 1799 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Longsword (WP: 3), , Aquamarine (Water), 3 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Winged Sandals, Phoenix Essence Sir Earl Poletad Level 17 Frog Paladin Power: 17 Health: 1/17 Ether: 17/17 The Cemetery Enemies Zee, Queen of the Undead Level 40 Ice *Immune Instant Kills* Health: 520/520 Ether: 10/16 Special I: Helvetia’s Kiss – Zee deals 10 ice-elemental damage to the entire party, disregarding row and SP. This costs 1 ether. Special II: (Used if ether is depleted) All of Hel’s Wrath – Deals 30 ice-elemental damage to entire party. Passive Special I: Miracle of the Court – Negative effects inflicted on Zee last only one round. Passive Special II: Undying Love – At the end of each round, at the cost of one ether, Zee revives all fallen comrades at 0 health. They become SOULLESS. They cannot again be killed until Zee dies or runs out of ether. Passive Special III: Human Shield – All attacks directed at Zee are redirected to a random ally as long as said ally is not SOULLESS. Drops: Phoenix Incense, Zee’s Standard, Opal Ancient Dead A Level 16 Soulless *Hexed* Health: 0/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead B Level 16 Soulless Health: 0/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead C Level 16 Soulless Health: 0/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead D Level 16 Soulless Health: 0/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead E Level 16 Undead Health: 26/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Ancient Dead F Level 16 Undead Health: 42/150 Ether: 1/1 Special I: Frail Bones - At the cost of 1 ether, gives the hero the fragile effect. Special II (used if no ether): Bone Baron - Deals 20 damage to all heroes targeting an undead or soulless enemy. Drops: Bone Recent Dead A Level 24 Soulless Health: 0/215 Special I: Unholy Wail - The Recent Dead, unhappy with it's death, wails and stuns the target. Drops: 2 gold Recent Dead B Level 24 Soulless Health: 0/215 Special I: Unholy Wail - The Recent Dead, unhappy with it's death, wails and stuns the target. Drops: 2 gold Recent Dead C Level 24 Undead Health: 1/215 Special I: Unholy Wail - The Recent Dead, unhappy with it's death, wails and stuns the target. Drops: 2 gold Recent Dead D Level 24 Soulless Health: 0/215 Special I: Unholy Wail - The Recent Dead, unhappy with it's death, wails and stuns the target. Drops: 2 gold "I think it would be better if I showed you. Showed you all." Zane gives a wheezy gravelly laugh. "Embarrassed by your family?" "They're just hard to explain." Vipera flies to Hoke's shoulder and rests there. <The Orc. He is not normal. He speaks with many voices.> Zane turns to look at the Dragon. He winks. "You're very attune to the Spirit Pools, aren't you? This city must be very loud for you. It's very loud for me. So much talking, not much saying."

I will Vote: Big Cam, if only to get in a vote and close the gap a little bit. We don't have to be afraid of splitting the vote, because we don't need a majority. So, let's see if anyone will follow me. It will be non-fluff to assess, at least- and honestly Big Cam offers up far less than Flare.

I apologize that I've not had much to say so far. Day One seems mostly drivel most of the time to me (and I've been busy anyway). I understand that talking gets us behavior to analyze, but the last time I checked in I had already given all my thoughts on the topics being discussed. My puzzle piece. As for the first day vote - we all must vote, but I don't find the case for either candidate very compelling. Flare... what, ran for mayor, said lots of fluff, was extra-extravegant? That's not scummy to me, just someone being silly. Nearly everyone says fluff the first day. Really, boiled down, this is probably 3 pages of useful conversation, 4 pages of fluff, and 4 pages of bitter arguing over nothing much because that's how Day One always goes. Have I mentioned that I don't like Day Ones? But I still like all you people! If it came down to it, I'd probably vote Big Cam. I've got to agree, his level of activity vs. his level of contribution are not helpful. First day lynches rarely lead to scum, but they do help trim the fat. Scum or dumb. Sorry if that's not a very nice attitude, but its generally how I feel Day One.